Skip fatty snacks. Nibble on fashion.

June 2010

June 30, 2010

Head to toe designer logos are garish and tend to lack personal style. Classic designer logos specifically in accessories like handbags and shoes (think Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach) are timeless to me. And no one makes designer logos look more fresh and chic than Tory Burch. So designer logos get a pass from me. As long as they're real and not purchased from the street corner or out of the trunk of "I know a guy who knows a guy."

Pace yourselves dear fashion seekers. The sales will be coming at you from all directions this week/weekend and you don't want to tucker out before Friday. Most stores will be offering some type of holiday weekend discounts. Here are some of the ones you may want to check out.

ADDITIONS:

BANANA REPUBLIC Take 25% off all sale items through July 5th. Offer good online and in stores. Use promo code BR4JULY for online shopping.

SIGERSON MORRISON It's time for my favorite designer shoes to hit the summer sale rack. Select items have been marked down by 50%. Their less expensive Belle line is also on sale. And when these shoes go below $100, I say jump on it! These discounts are final sale purchases, which I normally avoid. But with Sigerson Morrison, the final sale works for me because I'm not going to get rid of them anyway. (Actually, I'm wearing a pair from 2002 right now. I'm just saying, definitely worth the money.)

June 29, 2010

Remember when I wrote about wearing shorts to work but cautioned all of you not to go that short? Well, my sister (who co-owns the place where I happen to work) did not like my short version of shorts in the workplace. (Which was absolutely hilarious to me.) Anyhoo, I really believe the problem was the heels I happen to pair with the shorts that caused all the commotion. Once I slipped my thong flats back on, my fashion infraction didn't seem so profound.

The pic on the left is what I wore on Monday morning to make up for Friday's extra casual day. LOL

And here's what I strode into work wearing on Friday. Good thing I wore a long-sleeved shirt. Otherwise, the job could have easily turned into the club! LMAO

Are you a shopping sap? You know, you walk in the store and buy whatever is on sale or suggested by the salesperson even though it's something you really don't need. Don't be suckered by the lure of a sale or the chatty salesperson. Here are a few ways to leave the stuff you don't need hanging on the rack and more money resting comfortably in your pocket.

IT'S ON SALE This tool has been so effective that we're now trained to give the sale items more consideration, even when the discounted items are things we can't use, don't need, and in some cases, don't even like! A good way to avoid this trap is to have a list of what you're looking for on this particular shopping trip. If you're out surveying the mall for shorts and flat sandals, don't get sucked into the 70% off sweater rack from last winter. It's okay to check out the clearance section. But once you realize there's nothing there to suit your needs, leave it alone. I'm certain you'll be fine if you don't buy that pair of tie dye leggings.

IT'S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR Do you have a color that you just adore? Mine is green. No specific shade of green, I don't discriminate. I love all green. And when I see a shirt, skirt, bracelet, notebook in that beautiful hue, I immediately snatch it up and prepare to buy it. Until I realize that I already own 5 green tank tops or 4 pairs of green shoes. If you're only interested in the item because it comes in your favorite color, try selecting a different color in the same item and see if it has the same appeal. Often you'll realize that it doesn't and you'll leave them both hanging on the rack.

June 22, 2010

I was on the J.Crew site looking for these sequin chino shorts my sister told me about when I came across this sale. (Note: The shorts are $198 and sold out! Hmm...I'm giving the recession the side-eye right now.) So no sequin shorts for sale but the sale items are being cut by an additional 30%. Sweet!

And when J.Crew gives an extra 30% off sale items, you at least have to view the selection. If you're looking for tissue tees and embellished flip-flops to light weight chinos and skirts, this sale is for you!

But don't miss out on the accessory gems like this sea urchin ring. I love, love, love it!

Sale ends tomorrow (that's Wednesday June 23rd if you're losing track of the days this week). Offer good in stores and online. Use promo code EXTRA30 for online shopping.

June 21, 2010

I found this simple yet perfectly detailed t-shirt dress at H&M for $34.95. (And since I had a 20% off coupon, I bought it for even less.) With its drawstring waist and little dots outlining the edges of the garment, it takes the t-shirt dress from basic to stylish. I knew I was on to something when a 13-year-old girl said, "I like your dress." (You know you're doing something right when you get a nod from a teen.)

Hopefully this work look is redeeming enough to make up for last week's foray into shorts in the workplace. Some of you couldn't get over my short shorts at work. I love the feedback so keep it coming!

June 18, 2010

I promise I've never heard of National Splurge Day until today when I clicked opened an email from Bluefly. (Thank you Bluefly for discount designer goodies AND other interesting, random bits of information.) Apparently an eventologist created this holidate back in 1994. Who knew?

Anyhoo, read the link above to find out her rationale for encouraging us to spend on ourselves one day out of the year. Interesting, indeed. My question is, do people really need to be reminded to splurge on themselves? With the sale of flat screen tvs, super high-tech phones, and let's not forget designer shoes and handbags, it looks to me like people are splurging all the freaking time. Just an assessment. No judgment. If you got it, flaunt it is what I say.

And if you're looking for a sale to splurge on, here you go:

MACY'S You know a One Day Sale had to be on the near horizon because it's been at least a couple of weeks. Well Saturday, June 19th is the day and Macy's says it is its biggest of the year. Let's hope so. Click herefor the sale catalog and a copy of the $10 savings pass.

BLUEFLY There's up to 75% off in the sale section of the site. And they've conveniently identified the under $100 finds for those of us who love a deal.

SHOPBOP The deals on designer items are either 30, 50 or 70% off. Definitely worth a few clicks.

SAKS Take 30-40% off select designer styles.There are plenty of designers to choose from with prices hitting everything from low to high.

Also read Fast Company's article where they asked CEO what they wanted to splurge on. Another great reminder to think BIG. Enjoy!

June 17, 2010

Looking for something to wear to work or on the weekends that looks fantastic but doesn't require a whole lot of effort? If so, you're looking for a shirtdress. This easy, no fuss item has become a staple in many wardrobes. Mine included. A few weeks ago I found a shirtdress at Gap for around $22 and now I can't believe I almost left it hanging on the rack!

If you don't have one, don't fret, my dear. This trend is in every store at every price point. Charlotte Russe has a wonderful grey shirtdress for $24. (And it's on sale now for 30% off of that!)

The pic on the left is a Calvin Klein dress on sale at Nordstrom.com for $46.90. And it's definitely worth the cash.

This dress can be worn for work or play. The possibilities are endless. I know it's cliche but it's so true.

To the left of the dress are a cardigan and peep-toe pumps I found at Macys.com. And the super cute bracelet, messenger bag, and lace-up sandals are from Madewell.com. These are just a few ideas to get your creative wardrobe juices flowing.

June 16, 2010

We're hitting the middle of June and the heat is already causing some of us to rethink all daytime activities. But wait, we still have to go to work, right? And since calling in a "it's too hot to go outside" day, we're all searching for ways to look professional and stay cool. And every summer the question comes up, can you wear shorts to work?

Well, I can. (That's me in the picture.)
But what about everyone else?

Before you grab the bermudas, keep reading. Considering the following points could prevent a potential uproar brought on by simply wearing half a pair of pants to work.

WHERE DO YOU WORK? If you work in banking, financial services, law, medicine, manufacturing, accounting, or any other traditionally conservative industry, save the shorts for the weekend activites. These work environments tend to stick with more serious work wardrobes. Creative fields are usually more open to the notion of freedom of wardrobe expression. So if you're a graphic designer at an IT magazine, you're probably more likely to get away with shorts than a bank teller.

HAVE YOU READ YOUR COMPANY DRESS CODE? Most companies provide some kind of list of the do's and don'ts of what to wear to work. If you're considering braving shorts in the office, read the dress code first. If it doesn't explicitly state that you can't wear them, you may be in the clear. If you still want more clarity, ask human resources. They'll be more than happy to tell you no, you can't wear them.

HOW ARE YOU PLANNING TO WEAR THEM? The shorts I'm wearing in the pic above are too short for most businesses. But since I work a fitness company, I have a little more room to show my wardrobe creativity. If shorts are an option for your workplace, choose longer styles paired with a jacket or cardigan, which will dress up the look. (I like these linen bermudas at Gap.) But please, whatever you do for the sake of your fellow co-workers, don't wear cut-off shorts or ratty, beat down shorts or tiny shorts that could pass for undies. Because if you do, I guarantee that HR will be issuing an amendment to the company dress code- no shorts allowed.

June 15, 2010

Before anyone points out the obvious double standard of my statement, I want to acknowledge upfront that I'm fully aware of if. Women wear shapewear all the time. Spanx made it cool to slide a piece of fabric over your lovely, lady humps in an effort to make them less lumpy. I know a lot of women swear by these seemingly magical pieces. (Oprah and my friend Karla shared a moment solely on the topic of Spanx). I've personally never tried them. Primarily because I'd rather work out and eat less junk to achieve toned legs and tighter abs. That's my choice. And now men, just like their female counterparts, can choose tummy-tucking shirts over eating vegetables.

Spanx and other companies like Ript Fusion are extending their suck it in philosophy to men. Tank top and t-shirt guy shapewear is designed to help them smooth out their not so flat tummies. So when you see a cute guy and think, "He looks like he's fit and takes care of himself," he's really just hitting the mall picking up a girdle. I think I'll just say no to fake abs.

What do you think? Are you okay with men wearing shapewear? And do you wear it too?

June 10, 2010

I don't know where or when the trend started for men to receive ties for Father's Day but if I was a guy, I'd be upset. Yes, ties are a great accessory for the professional man. But who wants to get one as a gift? If you're trying to come up with a solution to the tie trap, here are some choices, from the free to the expensive, you may want to grab for your husband, dad, or brother.

Go High Tech With all the talk the last few weeks about Sprint's HTC EVO 4G, Verizon's HTC Incredible, and Apple's iPhone4, a lot of us have been dreaming of a smartphone upgrade. Since the Incredible and iPhone4 aren't out yet, maybe you can print your special man and I.O.U.

Hit the Mall You know how you see those guys sitting outside the dressing room waiting patiently for their wives, girlfriends, etc to try on clothes? Why not offer the same selfless shopping to your guy. Take him out shopping. Help him try on different looks, make a few suggestions. Dote on him. Make him feel like the man. Then buy the stuff he wants with your own cash. If you suggest this option as a gift, you have to adhere to a few rules. 1. No looking, scoping, peeking, or browsing at all for anything for yourself. 2. No hinting about the things you want to come back and buy tomorrow. 3. No complaining about his desire to get another pair of khakis, tennis shoes, or whatever item he suggests that you know he doesn't need. It's his day, let him have it.

Leave Him Alone What man do you know wouldn't want to have a day (or two) by himself? No wife, no kids, no responsibilities. Just snacks and the remote control. (This sounds vaguely familiar like an episode of The Cosby Show). Maybe he'll have a buddy or two over to contemplate how great it is to have a little freedom. So grab the little ones, and the big ones too, leave the house for the day, and give your guy a few moments of peace. Which could be the best gift anyone has ever given him.